Scientific diving
This research tool is widely used by researchers, engineers and technicians working in the coastal environment. Several hundred dives are carried out each year by IUEM divers. Most of these dives are dedicated to collecting living samples, installing and retrieving measuring equipment or experimental devices, and taking photographs and videos. Find out more.
Albert Lucas
The Albert Lucas is an oceanographic research vessel used to study the coastal environment in order to better understand how it changes. Launched in June 2010, it is jointly owned by the European University Institute of the Sea and the Iroise Marine Nature Reserve.
As a station ship, it operates up to 20 miles from the coast (approx. 32 km), at an average speed of 10 knots (approx. 18 km/h). It therefore operates mainly in Brest harbour and within the boundaries of the Iroise Marine Nature Park. This covers an area of 3,500 km² stretching from the island of Sein to the island of Ouessant and up to the limits of French territorial waters.
This area benefits from a geographical location particularly conducive to the development of research into the evolution of coastal systems. The ship’s versatile equipment thus enables researchers from various disciplines (biology, geology, chemistry, ecology, physical and chemical oceanography) to carry out a wide range of studies. TheAlbert Lucas is also used to establish a coastal observation network, an objective of the Institute in its capacity as the Observatory of the Sciences of the Universe. The vessel also enables training missions for IUEM students, allowing them to learn modern oceanography techniques. Furthermore, it meets the need for knowledge and protection of the marine environment within the Iroise Marine Nature Park. The vessel can also facilitate the deployment and recovery of geophysical instruments, provide diving support missions and participate in testing new experimental methods.
TheAlbert Lucas is part of the French Oceanographic Fleet. It can be deployed practically all year round by a professional crew for day trips.
The Albert Lucas is named after a marine biologist, a specialist and pioneer in mollusc aquaculture, who helped establish the Faculty of Sciences in Brest. In the 1950s, he was also instrumental in founding the Society for the Study and Protection of Nature in Brittany (now Bretagne Vivante), the journal Penn ar Bed, and Brittany’s first nature reserves.
The Hesione
The Hésione is a 6.15-metre aluminium light vessel (Hard 21), powered by a 135 hp engine. It can carry up to six people for day trips in Brest harbour and the Iroise Sea. Equipped with a depth sounder, GPS, a mount for a CTD and a Niskin sampler, it can also be beached and carry out diving support missions. Thanks to its size, it can operate on rivers and be transported on a trailer.
The Hesione II
The Hésione II is a 7.6-metre aluminium boat powered by a 150 hp engine. It can carry up to six people on day trips in Brest harbour and the Iroise Sea. Equipped with a depth sounder, GPS, a CTD mount, a Niskin sampler and a plankton net, it can also be beached and carry out diving support missions. Thanks to its size, it can operate on rivers.
Coordinator: Erwan Amice
